Exhibit Featuring Life of William Aldrich of Lincoln

Saturday, March 14, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Northgate, Blackstone Valley Historical Society, 1873 Old Louisquisset Pike, Lincoln, RI 02865

Exhibit: Dan Bethel, member of the Blackstone Valley Historical Society, will be showing his collection of ephemera relating to William Aldrich of the Lincoln branch of the Aldrich family.

The exhibit highlights materials relating to William H. Aldrich, offering a glimpse into life in late 19th century Lincoln. Aldrich served as road supervisor the Town of Lincoln, ran for various town offices, participated actively in many local social events, and was a member of the Lime Rock Masons, Documents include everyday correspondence, an 1866 subscription to the “Woonsocket Patriot,” a dog license issued by the Lincoln town clerk on April 25, 1885 for his dog “Shep,” and a wedding invitation for his marriage to Phoebe Tucker.

Free Event. All welcome.

“Dolls of our Lives” Allison Horrocks Gives Talk on the American Girl Doll

Sunday, November 16, North Gate Toll House, BVHS

1873 Old Louisquisset Pike (Route 246), Lincoln, RI

In 1986, Pleasant Rowland created a doll brand that was not only beautiful, butbrought a love of history to young girls. On November 16th, join Allison Horrocks as she traces the evolution of Rowland’s creation, The American Girl, and how these beautiful dolls can teach us about the past. Do you have your own American Girl? Please bring it with you, to share in its historical significance. Don’t have one? Come and learn its importance today.

Allison Horrocks, Ph.D., co-author of Dolls of Our Lives: Why We Can’t Quit American Girl, is a public historian who works as a Park Ranger at the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. A public historian, she has been an interpreter and tour guide at many historic sites. For the past five years she has co-hosted a podcast about American Girl, its history and pop culture.

Free event. All welcome.

John Kostrzewa “Walking Rhode Island” Comes to BVHS

6:30 p.m. October 6, 2025, BVHS, 1873 Old Louisquisset Pike, Lincoln, RI 02865

John Kostrzewa, the author of “Walking Rhode Island” is coming to the Blackstone Valley Historical Society on Monday, October 6, at 6:30 p.m. He will talk about the scenic and historic trails in Rhode Island.

Kostrzewa worked for 42 years in the newspaper industry, including the last 29 at The Providence Journal as a business reporter, columnist, business editor and assistant managing editor. In January 2021, he launched “Walking Rhode Island,” a column online and in the Sunday Providence Journal about hiking in the state. Since then, he has written more than 100 columns.

John Kostrzewa’s stories show us that walks are not merely a chance to enjoy the natural world, but to see that during every walk, in every wood, along every stream, we are awash in the history of this land and its people since time immemorial. These walks are more than a meditation or recreation, they are Rhode Island history in a deep and meaningful way. They should not just be read, they should be experienced.” —C. Morgan Grefe, Executive Director, Rhode Island Historical Society (quote from Amazon).

Great Road Open House Day

September 20, 2025 11:00 am -4:00 pm

Northgate Toll House will be open on Great Road Day from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. We are located at 1873 Old Louisquisset Pike, Lincoln, RI. Northgate will have an exhibit about the old lime kilns in Lime Rock. The bakery will not be open.

At 1:00 p.m. there will be a special event. Local author Rod Haynes will give a talk about his book, Unauthorized Disclosures: A Navy Memoir of the 1980s.

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Kiln on Sherman Avenue
Unauthorized Disclosures

Experience History Come to Life: John McNiff as Roger Williams at the Blackstone Valley Historical Society

1:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. BVHS Annual Meeting

2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 18, Blackstone Valley Historical Society, 1873 Old Louisquisett Pike, Lincoln, RI 02865 All Welcome. Free Event.

Return of Roger Williams from England with the First Charter, 1644. From a painting by C.R. Grant. Engraving from The Providence Plantations for 250 Years, Welcome Arnold Greene, 1886. (courtesy of Wikipedia)

Join us at 2:00 p.m. for a captivating presentation at the Blackstone Valley Historical Society, where historian and re-enactor John McNiff will bring Roger Williams to life. Through first-person interpretation, McNiff will explore the life, beliefs, and legacy of this influential 17th-century figure.

With decades of experience in historical re-enactment, McNiff offers a compelling portrayal. A former National Park Ranger at the Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence, he has spent years researching the era and educating audiences. In addition to his historical work, McNiff has a background in acting, production, and stage combat instruction, making his performances both informative and engaging.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to step back in time and gain new insights into one of Rhode Island’s most important historical figures.

Stories from the Revolutionary War: Records from the State Archives

6:30 p.m. April 21, 2025, BVHS, 1873 Old Louisquissett Pike, Lincoln, RI

Ashley Selima, Director of the RI State Archives and Lauren Fogarty, Program Coordinator of the RI Semiquincentennial Commission, will be doing a special joint presentation at BVHS. The first part will be a presentation on the records of the State Archives and the story they tell about the American Revolution. This will be followed by a talk on the work of the RI250 Commission.

April 19, 2025, will be the 250th anniversary of the “shot heard round the world” — the Battles of Lexington and Concord that launched the Revolutionary War.

Ashley Selima, MLIS, MPA, CA 

Ashley serves as Director of State Archives & Public Records Administration for the state of Rhode Island and works with agencies and stakeholders throughout the state to ensure proper care and management of public records for their entire lifecycle. She is passionate about universal access to information and positive user experience in discovery of historic collections. She leads the State Archives Division in planning, coordinating, and connecting with the community through public events, assistance, and outreach. 

Lauren Fogarty, M.A.

Lauren serves as Program Coordinator for the Rhode Island Semiquincentennial Commission (RI250), leading efforts to commemorate Rhode Island’s role in the American Revolution through public programs, civic engagement, and heritage tourism. She collaborates with government agencies and community partners to connect the state’s historical legacy with present-day education and public outreach. With a background in Political Science and International Relations, Lauren is dedicated to fostering informed, engaged communities through impactful programming and strategic initiatives.

Movie Matinee- “Senechonet to Manville: A Journey Through Time”

2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 23, 2025

Blackstone Valley Historical Society, 1873 Old Louisquisset Pike, Lincoln, RI

BVHS will be showing Part 1 of “Senechonet to Manville: A Journey Through Time,” a movie that is a historical commentary on the village of Manville, RI, by Betty and Carlo Mencucci. The movie includes many photographs and other material collected by Roger Gladu. It covers the growth of Manville from colonial times and ends with the spectacular disasters of the 20th century: the 1920s textile strikes, the 1924 house gas explosion on Cumberland Hill, the 1927 flood, the 1938 hurricane, and the flood and fire in 1955.  

Free Event. Don’t miss this movie!

Upcoming Events

September 21, Great Road Day 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be an exhibit of some of BVHS’s 19th and early 20th century photographs of Pawtucket.

October 21, 6:30 pm. (Monday) Ashley Selima, Director of the RI State Archives and Public Records Administration will give a talk on RI Civic Participation, Voting, and Voter Suppression.

November 13, 6:30 pm (Wednesday) Steve Emma, RI Mineral Hunters, will give a presentation about fossil hunting in RI.

March 23, 2PM BVHS will be showing Part 1 of  “Senechonet to Manville: A Journey Through Time,” a historical commentary on the village of Manville, RI, by Betty and Carlo Mencucci, with many photographs and other material collected by Roger Gladu. The movie covers the growth of Manville from colonial times, and ends with the spectacular disasters of the 20th century: the 1920s textile strikes, the 1924 house gas explosion on Cumberland Hill, , the 1927 flood, the 1938 hurricane, and the flood and fire in 1955.  Free Event.

Great Road Day – September 21

11AM – 4PM
Discover 300 Years of History Along One of the Oldest Roadways in the Country

–Historic New England’s Arnold House (1693) Learn about Lincoln’s founding family. This rare stone-ender-house has one of the largest fireplaces you’ll ever see. 487 Great Road
–Saylesville Friends Meetinghouse (1703) One of the earliest and longest continuously used Quaker meetinghouses in New England. Final resting place of the Arnold family. 374 Great Road
–Great Road Heritage Campus at Chase Farm Park 671 Great Road: Picturesque meadows to explore or bring a picnic; Visitors Center with Restrooms, view artist’s mural of Great Road in the 19th Century, and visit four-historic sites listed below. Pick up the Shuttle to Moffett & Hearthside:
-Pullen’s Corner Schoolhouse (1850) Lincoln’s last one-room schoolhouse, recently
relocated, restored, and preserved as a 19th c. classroom. Special outdoor exhibit of a
Revolutionary War encampment, with reenactors, drills, traditional craft demonstrations.
-Hannaway Blacksmith Shop (1880) Watch the blacksmith at the forge and anvil forming
hot metal into household objects, just as it was done during the 19th c. in this original shop.
-Moffett Mill (1812) This rare relic from the early industrial era, a versatile former
machine shop still has its original equipment and tools. Accessed only by Shuttle Bus.
-Hearthside House Museum (1810) This majestic stone mansion, hosted by costumed
docents in 19th c. attire, offers an exhibit on the history of Lincoln Woods State Park and its connections to Hearthside and Moffett Mill. 677 Great Road (parking across the street or shuttle from Chase)
-Butterfly Mill (1812) A former textile factory built by Stephen Hopkins Smith at the same time he built Hearthside. The recently restored mill space will be opened from 11-2 by the homeowner. Take Shuttle or walk from Hearthside parking lot next door to it. 700 Great Road
–Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge (1804) One of the oldest masonic lodges in the state that included many of the town’s most notable citizens as its members. Still in use today and open once a year to the public for this occasion. 1093 Great Road
–Valentine Whitman House (1696) Stop by to check out this excellent example of a stone-ender house that has recently undergone total rehabilitation by Preserve RI and now a private residence. Outdoor viewing only
with written materials. 1147 Great Road
–Northgate (1807) Home of the Blackstone Valley Historical Society, this original toll house for the Louisquisset Turnpike and later a Grange where social activities took place. Exhibit of 19th & early 20th c. photographs of Pawtucket. 1873 Louisquisset Pike
–Arnold Bakery (1874) One-room original bakery relocated from Saylesville, adjacent to Northgate.

FREE TOURS

Latino History in Central Falls: How RI Latino Arts Encourages Community Through History

2:00 pm May 19, 2024

Blackstone Valley Historical Society, 1873 Old Louisquisset PIke, Lincoln, RI

Annual Meeting of the BVHS at 1:30 pm before the talk.

Marta V. Martinez will give the Christine Nowak Lecture at the Blackstone Valley Historical Society on May 19. This presentation will focus on how Rhode Island Latino Arts, through Nuestras Raíces,  the Latino Oral History Project of Rhode Island (http://nuestrasraicesri.net/) builds pride and stimulates civic activity among Latinos in Central Falls, through pláticas (collective conversations), oral history collection, barrios (neighborhood) tours and historical research. 

    We are excited to welcome Martinez, who is the founder and executive director of Rhode Island Latino Arts, founder of Nuestras Raices, and adjunct professor at Providence College. Her book, Latino History in Rhode Island: Nuestras Raices, was the basis for “La Broa”  (Broad Street) a play recently performed at Trinity Repertory Company